
Description
Early 1800s RARE 40 pieces of Spode bone china tea service. Motif has bat-printing transfer black images of animals in rural settings. Black monochrome transfer pastoral scenes depitction sheep and landscape. Hand-gilded gold trim is applied along the rim, handle and base. Pattern is marked 2/977 on all pieces.
Bat-printing on bone china
One of the most characteristic decorations on Spode bone china are the delicate, subtle grey prints applied over the glaze using the bat printing method. The small vignettes are produced from copper plates with stipple engraving. The small punched dots produce tones of light and shade depending on their density. The printer smears clear oil onto the copper plate, then presses a thin, flexible sheet of rubber-like animal glue called a "bat" onto the engraved design. The printer then presses the bat, covered with the oiled design, to the ceramic surface. The porcelain is then lightly dusted with powdered color which adheres only to the design of oily dots. After the printer carefully wipes away the excess color, the piece is fired slightly, which melts the glaze so that the print sinks into the glass coating.
32 pieces are in excellent condition; 8 others (1 cup, 6 saucers, 1 bowl) have hairline stress fracture. Handles are London style. This set was handed down through 4 generations of one family in New England.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Set is in good conition with minor flaws
Dimensions:
Height: 2 in.
Width: 9 in.
Depth: 9 in.
Category: Tea Sets
Origin: United Kingdom
Materials: Bone China
Creator: Brand: Spode
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $71.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Bouckville , NY
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Bat-printing on bone china
One of the most characteristic decorations on Spode bone china are the delicate, subtle grey prints applied over the glaze using the bat printing method. The small vignettes are produced from copper plates with stipple engraving. The small punched dots produce tones of light and shade depending on their density. The printer smears clear oil onto the copper plate, then presses a thin, flexible sheet of rubber-like animal glue called a "bat" onto the engraved design. The printer then presses the bat, covered with the oiled design, to the ceramic surface. The porcelain is then lightly dusted with powdered color which adheres only to the design of oily dots. After the printer carefully wipes away the excess color, the piece is fired slightly, which melts the glaze so that the print sinks into the glass coating.
32 pieces are in excellent condition; 8 others (1 cup, 6 saucers, 1 bowl) have hairline stress fracture. Handles are London style. This set was handed down through 4 generations of one family in New England.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Set is in good conition with minor flaws
Dimensions:
Height: 2 in.
Width: 9 in.
Depth: 9 in.
Category: Tea Sets
Origin: United Kingdom
Materials: Bone China
Creator: Brand: Spode
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Set is in good conition with minor flaws
Buyer's Premium
20%
1800s Spode Bat Printing Black Monochrome Bone China Tea Service - Set 40 PCS
Estimate $1,950-$5,850
Starting Price
$1,500
1 bidder is watching this item
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Heritage & Home: Antiques & Design Classics 2
May 15, 2026 7:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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